Cosmetology is a Certificate program offered by Southeastern College in Columbia, SC. The program takes 12 months to complete, with tuition of $9,200 per semester.
Program Overview
The Cosmetology program teaches students the fundamentals of cosmetology. It establishes a balanced foundation of practical hands-on experience specifically applicable to the cosmetology industry by applying practical knowledge and skills in the student salon environment. Students follow a curriculum that adheres to the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation—State Board of Cosmetology's guidelines and regulations. A Certificate will be awarded upon successful completion.
The Cosmetology program prepares students to meet the requirements for a South Carolina Cosmetology license.
Students will:
- Understand and comply with the laws, regulations, and rules of the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation—State Board of Cosmetology
- Professionally communicate, analyze, and execute cosmetology services
- Adhere to approved sanitation and safety practices
- Define and apply salon effective operations techniques
- Perform basic and advanced coloring, styling, shaping, and texturizing
- Perform nail/skin services within cosmetology limits
Admission Requirements and Process
All applicants will be required to do a pre-enrollment interview with an Admissions Coordinator to determine the necessary requirements for entrance into the program. To be considered for enrollment, applicants must supply verification of standard high school graduation, GED completion, or proof of graduation from a foreign institution comparable to a United States secondary school; home-schooled applicants are considered upon receipt of the proper state credential.
Prerequisites.
- Background check and drug screening where applicable
- Have a High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent
- Resume
- Statement of Intent/Desire
General Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalentProvide verification of standard high school graduation (transcript or diploma), GED completion, or a foreign secondary credential evaluated as equivalent to U.S. high school…
- Resume and statement of intentSubmit a resume and a Statement of Intent/Desire.
- Pre-enrollment interviewComplete a pre-enrollment interview with an Admissions Coordinator to determine the necessary requirements for entrance into the program.
- Background check and drug screeningComplete a background check and drug screening where applicable.
Application Process
- 1Meet with an Admissions CoordinatorComplete a pre-enrollment interview with an Admissions Coordinator to determine the necessary requirements for entrance into the program.
- 2Provide proof of high school graduationArrange for your school or the issuing agency to send your high school, GED or degree credentials directly to the admissions office.
- 3Complete the enrollment processComplete the enrollment process well before the date you have chosen to enter school; this permits proper scheduling and ensures availability of classroom space.
- 4Apply for financial aidComplete the FAFSA (school code 037464) and make an appointment with a Financial Aid Officer at your campus.FAFSA Code for Columbia Branch Campus: 037464Complete FAFSA Application
Program Schedule
Program length. This program can be completed in 12 months for full-time students.
Campus hours. Classes are in session year-round, except for the holidays and vacations listed in the Academic Calendar. The Columbia and North Charleston campuses are open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm, Fridays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturdays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Start dates. The catalog publishes term dates (each term begins on a Monday; for example, the Winter 2027 semester begins January 11, 2027) but no program-specific start dates; contact the campus for the next start.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Tuition and fees (South Carolina). At Southeastern College, tuition and fees are charged to the student by the semester/pay period. Each semester is 16-weeks in duration for credit hour programs. Each pay period is 450 hours (900 clock hour program), 370 hours (740 clock hour program) and 500 hours (1500 clock hour program) in duration for clock hour programs. Southeastern College students are not charged by the course or by credit hours.
The catalog lists 3 pay periods for this program. The following fees are charged each semester/pay period in addition to tuition, and the one-time fees are charged at enrollment:
- Tuition per 500-hour pay period (full-time): $9,200.00
- Technology fee (per semester/pay period): $400.00
- Student services fee (per semester/pay period): $300.00
- Program fee (per semester/pay period): $300.00
- Lab fee (per semester/pay period): $300.00
- Application fee (one-time): $50.00
- Registration fee (one-time): $50.00
- Transcript fee: $5.00
- Diploma shipping and handling fee: $100.00
Tuition for students less than full time is charged based on a pro-rata calculation at the beginning of the semester/pay period. Programs that require a student kit will be assessed a fee accordingly. Textbook prices are available on the student portal by course. If applicable, students taking online courses who have the textbooks shipped will have shipping charges assessed for them.
Financial aid. Southeastern College is approved by the U.S. Department of Education for Title IV Federal Aid Programs. Prospective students who seek financial assistance must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and make an appointment with a Financial Aid Officer. The college's aid programs include the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Direct Stafford Student Loans, Federal Direct PLUS Loans, Federal Work Study and Southeastern College and private scholarships. Federal School Code (FAFSA) for this campus: 037464.
Military and veterans. Southeastern College is approved by the Florida and North Carolina state approving agencies for veterans training, and its VA Pending Payment Policy protects students using Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) or VR&E (Chapter 31) benefits. Tuition Assistance funds are available to eligible Service members; Active Duty students must meet with their branch of service before enrolling.
Net price calculator. Southeastern College Net Price Calculator
Curriculum
To receive a Certificate in Cosmetology, students must complete 1500 clock hours. This certificate program can be completed in 12 months for full-time students. For students in the Cosmetology program, successful completion of the courses in the major is a grade of “C” (70.00%- 79.99%) or better.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name |
|---|---|
Career Outcomes
Career focus. The Cosmetology program prepares students to meet the requirements for a South Carolina Cosmetology license.
Graduation and employment rates (ACCSC 2025 annual report, as of 10/10/2025). Full-time cohort starting October 2022 – September 2023: 54% graduation rate (of 26) and 71% employment rate (of 14).
Professional licensure disclosure: Certificate-Cosmotology-Disclosure-Form-2026.pdf
Campus Address
Why Accreditation Is Important
Southeastern College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). The Cosmetology program is licensed by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (Board of Cosmetology). The Columbia and North Charleston campuses are licensed by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
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